Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Losing HRH Titles Played Down Amid Public Outcry

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be facing mounting calls to lose their HRH titles, but insiders say it is not likely to happen.

This comes as public frustration grows in the UK over the couple's continued use of royal labels and their appeals for taxpayer-funded security, even after stepping back from royal duties.

The debate over their titles has simmered since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from the monarchy in 2020, followed by a series of high-profile interviews that many believe have strained their relationship with the Royal Family.

Although recent speculation suggests Prince William might take action when he becomes King, a royal friend and expert believes that scenario is unlikely. 

According to royal author and family friend Hugo Vickers, "We know that William is unforgiving anyway. But … he won't strip Harry and Meghan of their titles, it appears vindictive."

Another insider echoed that sentiment, noting that the titles are already "irrelevant and meaningless," and that most people no longer view the Sussexes as part of the royal fold.

Harry and William reportedly have not spoken in nearly two years. Page Six reported that some royal insiders doubt Harry will even be invited to William's eventual coronation.

Vickers weighed in on the speculation, stating there is no official rule that requires William to invite his younger brother, referencing the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, when the Duke of Windsor was notably excluded.

Harry and Meghan are facing intense backlash from the British public, who overwhelmingly feel they no longer deserve to hold their royal titles.

The Blast reported growing frustration over the couple's ongoing association with the monarchy and the idea that UK taxpayers might still fund their security. 

One angry citizen noted, "Why on Earth do we, the British public, need to foot the bill for this? He chose to leave. Simple. Want security? Should've stayed." Another local summed up the mood bluntly: "Enough is enough."

Additionally, a survey showed 97% of 4,500 respondents believed King Charles should revoke Harry's title. That followed earlier data, which revealed a sharp drop in public support for Harry and Meghan across the UK.

Public backlash may have been fueled by the discovery that Meghan had occasionally used her HRH title in private settings, like a personal note attached to a gift basket.

The note, which read "With Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex," resurfaced last month when her friend Jamie Kern Lima shared the gift publicly. Although the gesture dated back about a year, it reignited debate over the Sussexes' continued connection to royal titles.

Observers questioned whether the use of "HRH" went against the couple's 2020 agreement with the late Queen Elizabeth II, which allowed them to retain but not actively use their HRH status after leaving official royal life.

Sources close to Meghan pushed back, saying the note was shared in a private context and never meant for public display. They also maintained that neither Meghan nor Harry has used their titles for commercial or public gain.

As public frustration with Harry and Meghan continued to grow, the 40-year-old said he was ready to make peace with his family.

The Duke of Sussex shared in an interview that he wanted to reconnect with his father but claimed King Charles had cut off communication due to the legal battle over Harry's downgraded security status.

The Blast reported that Harry felt it was time to stop fighting, especially with the King's health in decline. "Life is precious. I don't know how much longer my father has," he said, referring to King Charles' cancer diagnosis revealed last year.

Despite Harry's call for reconciliation, he admitted that progress remained unlikely because of the security dispute with the Home Office. Harry added, "He won't speak to me because of this security stuff, but it would be nice to reconcile."

While seeking reconciliation, Harry also believes that his ongoing dispute over personal security "could be resolved," if King Charles had chosen to play a different role. After losing his appeal to reinstate full police protection during UK visits, Harry noted that the matter remained unresolved but fixable.

He argued, "Ultimately, this whole thing could be resolved through him. Not necessarily by intervening, but by stepping aside, allowing the experts to do what is necessary." Despite his claim, the royal institution reportedly maintained that King Charles had no direct power in the matter.

Though a member of his staff sits on RAVEC, the government committee responsible for royal and VIP security, officials insisted the King himself could not authorize police protection.

While the public debate rages on, it seems the royal family has little appetite for turning up the heat, at least for now.